Columbia Pacific Communities Articles

When you are about to retire, you are looking forward to having the time of your life. As you will have more freedom and time, you can pursue several meaningful, fun, and interesting activities. However, after the initial excitement of retirement, things may feel monotonous and boring. If you are afraid of being bored after retirement, here is a useful read for you. As one of the leading senior citizen homes in Bangalore, we have curated a list of tips to make the most of your free time. Plan before you retire: If you do not plan your retirement years well, you may end up feeling bored. When planning for retirement, you should plan how to fill your days. You certainly do not have to settle only on one goal. You can choose multiple hobbies and pursuits. Note: Remember that retirement  is not static. Things will change and interests will evolve. You should create a plan and be ready to adapt it. Have a purpose A fulfilling retired life is one that is fun and at the same time purposeful. Finding a cause that you are passionate about is a great way to do meaningful things. For instance, volunteering with a non-profit organisation can be a good way to give back to society and use time more productively. Make new friends According to a study, pursuing activities with friends is associated with increased life satisfaction amongst seniors. A good way for you to make new friends is to sign up for a hobby class where you can meet people with similar interests. You can also join fitness clubs or walking clubs to meet new people. Embrace the luxury of time While there are many benefits of having a structured day, it is also important for you to let go of the urge to plan the days to a T. The whole point of retirement is to enjoy the freedom it brings along. For instance, inviting friends over a movie marathon, organising a picnic, or playing board games can be some impromptu activities that do not require too much planning. Make a to-do jar One simple way to combat retirement boredom is to write down the things you want to do and put them in a jar. Take out one chit out every time you feel like doing something new. To shake things up, make sure that the chits include a mix of physical, spiritual, creative, and intellectual activities. Looking for senior citizen homes in Bangalore that have an active social calendar? Our retirement homes in India have a monthly calendar that includes creative and meaningful activities. Our premium senior citizen home in Bangalore will have a monthly calendar of activities that will include yoga sessions, movie screenings, dance classes, and group outings. To get details such as how much does a retirement home cost or monthly cost of living in a retirement home,  call us at +91 8884555554 or book a virtual tour.

When you retire, you suddenly have a lot more free time on your hands. Without a schedule, it can be difficult to fill the void. However, you can use this new-found freedom to build a great social life. But like all worthwhile things in life, it takes time and effort. Here are some tips to improve your social life after retirement: Teach your grandkids or young children: One of the easiest ways to socialise and stay young at heart is to spend time with your grandkids or other young children. You can use this time to teach them how to cook, speak a new language, or play a musical instrument. Passing on your knowledge to young children can be a great bonding experience.  It will create memories that you and your grandchildren will cherish for years to come. Find walking buddies It has been found that walking for 30 minutes a day can improve your mood and make you energetic. Walking is an easy form of exercise that anyone can do, so finding walking buddies should not be too much of a challenge. Ask a neighbour or friend to join you for morning and evening walks. You can even join a local walking club. Spend time with family Doing a shared activity together as a family is a great way to reconnect with your loved ones. Whether you have a long-standing tradition, or want to kickstart new ones, it is important to explore ideas on how you can spend time together. Setting an annual date for a family reunion or getting together for holidays or celebrating birthdays together can be a moment of connection and celebration. Reconnect with old friends Reconnecting with old friends and acquaintances can be a great way to stay connected with your social circle. Pick up the phone and catch up with your old schoolmates and colleagues. It is important to put some time and effort into connecting with people whose company you enjoy. Looking for premium retirement homes for NRIs that help you stay socially engaged? Explore our premium retirement home for NRIs in Bangalore. The senior living community will have an active social calendar that will include several activities such as yoga, aerobics, art and craft workshops, indoor games, and outdoor sports. This will give you several opportunities to make new friends and stay socially active. To know the retirement home cost for NRIs, call us at +91 8884555554 or fill in a form to book a virtual tour.  

With age, different types of challenges can make it difficult for you to start your day on a positive note. You may want to stay in bed for extra hours – however, it is not a healthy way to start the day. The way you start your mornings has an impact on your mental, emotional, and physical state for the rest of the day. As one of the leading senior citizen housing projects in Bangalore, we share four healthy ways to start your mornings and feel positive and energetic throughout the day: Let the sun wake you up Ditch the alarm clock and let the natural light wake you up. When natural sunlight slowly enters the room, it allows the body to wake up gradually – as a result, you feel less sleep inertia. It is a good idea to keep the drapes or curtains open at night so that the sun can slowly brighten the room. Start the day with protein rich breakfast: According to a study, what you eat and drink at the start of the day has some profound effects on your physical health and cognitive performance. Having a high protein breakfast is a great way to keep yourself feeling energised throughout the day. Scrambled paneer, overnight soaked oats, and porridge are ideal protein-rich breakfast items. Avoid having processed foods such as breads and cereals, as these foods lead to blood sugar spikes, which can make you feel exhausted later in the day. Go for a walk Morning walks are great for you to get some fresh air and body movement.  A 20-to-30-minute brisk walk can get the blood flowing and increase the heart rate. Moreover, the endorphins released from physical activity act as a mood-booster. Create a morning schedule It will be easier for you to get up in the morning if you wake up at the same time every day. To get up at the same time of the day, it is important to go to bed on time and have a restful sleep. Drink a glass of water in the morning when you first wake up. Do this before your morning cup of coffee or tea. Also, begin your mornings with positive affirmations as they keep you motivated throughout the day. Looking for independent senior citizen apartments in Bangalore? Living in our premium senior citizen housing project in Bangalore will help you live your life on your terms. The premium senior living community will have a clubhouse, swimming pool, spa, salon, and business centre. A dedicated and well-trained team of staff will take care of housekeeping, maintenance, and concierge. To know the cost of retirement homes in India, call us at +91 8884555554 or book a virtual tour.  

Many seniors spend years picturing their ideal retirement. Some want to travel the world or pursue new hobbies whereas others want to simply enjoy the freedom to relax. But when they are no longer working, monotony can set in which can give rise to anxiety. If you are newly retired, here is a useful read on overcoming retirement anxiety: Adjust your attitude Instead of seeing retirement as the end of something, try to view it as the beginning of a new chapter in your life. This change in perspective can help you see different opportunities that retirement has to offer. Instead of dreading the thought of spending your days doing nothing, start looking forward to the days ahead with excitement and anticipation. With the right outlook, you can ensure that your golden years are some of the best years of your life. Acknowledge your emotions: It is normal for you to feel anxious, scared, or even unsure. The key is to not let these feelings take over and prevent you from enjoying your retirement. Instead, take a step back and evaluate your emotions. Why are you feeling anxious? What are you afraid of? Once you identify the root of your emotions, you can start to work on addressing them. For example, if you are anxious about a monotonous routine, start by planning out some activities that you enjoy. Create an exhaustive list of things you want to do. Set new goals By setting new goals you can give yourself a new sense of direction. There are many activities that you can pursue – you can start volunteering, take up a new hobby, or even start your own business. The important thing is to find something that makes you happy and gives you a sense of purpose. Establish a new routine Try to wake up at the same time each day and plan your day around regular activities. This can include things such as going for a walk, reading, or visiting friends. A well-structured day will help you overcome retirement anxiety. Strengthen your social network Staying socially connected can positively influence your mental well-being. Your social ties are linked to your jobs and when you retire, your social connections are abruptly cut short. It is essential that you make a point to stay in touch with your old friends and work colleagues even after your retirement. Also, beyond work, broaden your social network. Accept the things that you cannot change For some, the thought of not having to work anymore is freeing, but for others, it can be overwhelming. The key is to accept the things that you cannot change and focus on the things that you can. For example, you cannot change the fact that you are no longer working, but you can change how you spend your time. Make a list of all the things that you have been wanting to do but never had the time for. Then, start crossing them off your list. If you are feeling particularly anxious, talk to your doctor or a therapist. Move to retirement homes that promote active living If you are looking for flats for senior citizens, explore our senior living communities. We have an on-site maintenance team that takes care of housekeeping, laundry, daily meals, and maintenance of common areas leaving you free to enjoy your retirement years the way you want. Our communities have several communal spaces, including a clubhouse, dining area, and library where you can meet and socialise with fellow residents. Our monthly social calendar is filled with activities so that every day you have something to look forward to. To know the price of retirement homes, call us at +918884555554.  

“Optimism for me is not a passive expectation that things will get better; it is a conviction that we can make things better.” Melinda Gates, co-founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation As you grow old, positive thinking plays an important role in how you perceive life and the challenges you face. Often it is thought that positive thinking is avoiding the challenges of life. Instead, positive thinking is about seeing challenging situations in a positive light. But how do you stay positive in the wake of adverse situations? Well, just like meditation or yoga, staying positive is a practice.  Here we share with you a few useful tips to consciously cultivate positive thinking in your daily life: Keep a gratitude journal: One of the easiest ways to think positive is to be grateful for all the good things you have in life. Maintaining a gratitude journal is a powerful way to connect with your positive emotions. If you are struggling to find what to write about, you can start using gratitude apps or easy-to-use gratitude journals. They come with a range of useful prompts that make it easy for you to reflect on the happiest moments of the day. Repeat positive affirmations: When you say something enough times, you are likely to believe it. This holds true for both positive and negative aspects of your life. Therefore, it is a good idea to fill your life with positive talks. You can either start your day with different positive affirmations or if you have a favourite affirmation then you can keep repeating that. You can get your favourite positive affirmation framed and hang it at a place where you can see it daily. Avoid the company of negative people: The saying goes, “You are the company you keep.” So it makes sense that when you associate with other pessimists, you are likely to feel negative. Identify positive people in your life and meet them regularly. Catching up with a jovial friend is definitely going to lift your spirits. Looking for retirement homes that promote positive ageing? At our retirement homes, we believe in embracing positive ageing. Our senior living communities are designed to let seniors enjoy a worry-free retirement lifestyle as cleaning, maintenance of individual apartments and common areas, and 24×7 electrical and plumbing maintenance work are all taken care of. At our retirement communities, seniors enjoy a healthy social life. Our events calendar includes a variety of activities such as hobby classes, yoga sessions, dance classes, day trips, and walking tours. To know more about our retirement communities, call us at +91 8884555554.  

If you are planning to move back to India and looking for senior living communities for NRIs, a tour is an excellent way to narrow down your choices. Although the staff of the senior living communities will show you around the community, asking the right questions can help you determine which one will suit you better now, and in the future. Here are some important questions you must ask when looking for senior living communities for NRIs:  Question 1: What are the different types of accommodation you offer? Typically, senior living communities have different types of accommodation to meet different needs. Our senior living community for NRIs in Bangalore will have premium living spaces available in four different sizes. Some of our other retirement homes in India have different types of villas, independent houses and apartments. Question 2: What kind of amenities are offered? It is important to ask about amenities available, including types of wellness centres, entertaining spaces, and maintenance support. At our senior living community for NRIs, you will find a senior-friendly fitness centre, spa centre, yoga deck, walking path, swimming pool, and facilities for indoor and outdoor games that will make meeting your fitness goals more convenient. Also, the community will have a bistro, restaurants, clubhouse, and business centre. Our on-site team of staff will take care of maintenance, housekeeping, laundry, and concierge services. Question 3: What kind of social activities are organised in the community? Good senior living communities host numerous social activities that make meeting new people and fostering friendship with other residents a part of daily life. When touring a community, ask what events and programmes are planned for that day and coming weeks. Question 4: May I see the menu? One of the biggest benefits of moving into a senior living community is that you no longer have to spend hours in the kitchen to make your meals. When you are touring the community, see the menu and visit the dining hall. Ask how often the menu is changed and how the community accommodates individual needs. Question 5: What security and safety features are in place? Ask about the community’s safety and security protocols. How does a resident ask for immediate assistance? Is there an ambulance?  Is the staff trained in emergency procedures? At our senior living community for NRIs, all entry and exit points will be manned by trained security personnel. All staff members will be trained in standard procedure in the event of an emergency. There will be a panic button in each apartment. Doctors will be available on call along with a 24X7 ambulance service available.  If you are looking for the best retirement homes for NRIs, book a virtual tour of our senior living community in Bangalore or give us a call at +918884555554.  

As an NRI buying property in India, focusing on the financial aspects of retirement is important. But there is another angle — the personal aspect that deserves much attention. While you are in the workforce, you live by the clock and professional commitments take up most of your time. Without planning what you will do after retirement, you may find yourself restless and craving for something unknown. Here we share with you a few tips to prepare for life after retirement. Read books about life after retirement Reading books about life after retirement can help you find your purpose and passions. Books can help you create a roadmap to an enjoyable, fulfilling, and purposeful life. Filled with wisdom, advice from those who have already retired, books on retirement can help you re-imagine your life and try new possibilities. If you are looking for some great titles to get started, here is a useful read. Consult a retirement coach:  While you may dream to smoothly exit your professional life and sail into the next phase of life, it can sometimes be difficult to fill the void of not having packed schedules. Retirement coaches can help make this transition a bit easier. By identifying challenges that you may face during the transition, they can help you navigate the complex emotions. A retirement coach can help you see retirement as the beginning of a new life and not an end. Find out what gives your life a purpose: You may view retirement as a vacation. But when you are done holidaying, it can be daunting to find ways to give meaning and purpose to everyday life. It is therefore important to identify pursuits that will offer you happiness, purpose, and meaning. For some people, it could be volunteering at a local charity, learning a new language, pursuing a hobby, or spending quality time with family and friends. Being proactive about what kind of life you wish to lead after retirement can make the transition easier. Looking for premium retirement homes for NRIs? If you are an NRI buying property in India, explore our premium retirement homes in Bangalore. The retirement community will have four different apartment sizes for you to choose from. Designed to meet international standards, the community will have senior-friendly amenities such as a senior-friendly gym, spa, salon, rooftop swimming pool, restaurant, bistro, library, and games room. There will also be an active monthly social calendar so that you can find hobbies and activities that interest you. Book a virtual tour or call us at +91 8884555554 for more details.  

If you have grandchildren, you would love to take them out for games, attend their school events, or visit amusement parks. But not living in the same city or same country can make it difficult for you to pop over for a visit every now and then. While there is nothing like being in the same physical space as your grandchildren, there are plenty of creative ways to bridge that gap. Here are a few ideas for long-distance grandparenting: Plan scheduled phone calls: By scheduling regular phone calls with your grandchildren, you can make sure you are always up-to-date on what is going on in their lives. You can also use this time to share stories and play games together. And if you cannot make a call at the scheduled time, be sure to let your grandchild know as soon as possible so they do not feel disappointed. Use video calling technology: With video calls, you can see your grandchildren’s faces and they can show you what they have been up to. You can also play games together or read stories. Plus, it is a great way to stay involved in their lives even if you cannot be there in person all the time. There are a few things to keep in mind when setting up video calls. Make sure you have a proper internet connection and find a time that works for both of you. Be patient – it might take a little practice for your grandkids to get used to talking on the camera. But once they get the hang of it, video calling can be a great way to stay connected with your grandkid. Follow them on social media: Use social media platforms to keep yourself updated with what is happening in your grandchild’s life. By following them on social media, you can learn a bit about their friends and what interests them. Reading books together: Reading bedtime stories to your grandchildren is a great way to bond with them. Schedule an audio or video call around your grandchildren’s bedtime and read their favourite bedtime stories. If the time zone does not allow that, create a video of you reading a children’s book, or you could simply record the audio. Writing an old-fashioned letter: A phone call or video chat can be a great way to catch up, but there is something special about receiving a handwritten letter in the mail. Writing letters can be a wonderful way to stay connected with your grandchildren. Regular correspondence can help you keep up with your grandkids’ lives. Also, it is a great way to share family stories and traditions. Letters can also be a fun way to teach kids about different parts of the world. So, if you are looking for a creative way to stay connected with your grandkids, consider writing an old-fashioned letter. Send special treats: Send special treats to your grandchildren – it could be a package of their favourite cookies, a box of puzzles or their favourite games, or a book with a personal note inside. It is a nice way to let them know you are thinking of them and that you care about making the effort to stay in touch. If you are not sure what to send, ask their parents for ideas or look for items that can be personalised with their name or photo. Looking for gated communities in Bangalore? If you are looking for gated communities in Bangalore and searching online with these phrases ‘retirement homes around me’, or ‘gated 55+ communities near me’ explore our senior living community in Bangalore. Our retirement homes in Bangalore are not just aesthetically pleasing but also senior friendly. To know more, call us at +918884555554.

It is natural for parents to worry about their adult children. However, there comes a point where you need to stop worrying and let your children live their lives. After all, when they become adults, they can make their own decisions. If you continue to worry about them, it will only stress you out and damage your relationship with them. Here are a few tips to stop worrying about your adult children: Give them space: As a parent, you want to protect your children from harm. But once they reach adulthood, you have to let go and trust that they can take care of themselves. If you try to control every move of your children, you rob them of the opportunities of making their own decisions and learning from their mistakes. You have to give them the space to learn everything on their own. You can offer help if they need it. Offer emotional and practical support: Let your adult children feel that you are always available for them to talk and offer help in areas such as searching for a rented house or searching for a job. Also, make sure that you take care of them even though they can make their own decisions. Avoid judging them: Do not judge your children; this can send a wrong message. They might think that you do not believe in them and may start distancing themselves from you. Be a shoulder your children can lean on Even though your adult children do not stay with you, make it known that they will come to you when they need help. Supporting your adult children in their harder times boosts their confidence and helps them sail through difficult times. In many cases, you might not be able to help them financially, but you can offer them emotional support. Looking for the best place to live after retirement in India? If you are looking for the best place to live after retirement in India, explore our retirement communities.  Our communities are located in some of the best cities to live in India after retirement. All amenities and services are carefully chosen to nurture and nourish an active retirement lifestyle. Our retirement homes have a senior-friendly gym, clubhouse, jogging paths, and facilities for indoor and outdoor games. Senior citizens living in apartments and villas have access to a host of senior-friendly services such as preventive maintenance for electrical and plumbing work, housekeeping, laundry, and daily meals. Also, services such as emergency care with 24X7 ambulance service and doctor-on-call ensure that immediate medical assistance can be sought in the hour of need. To know more about us, call us at +91 8884555554.  

If you are a senior, the cold and flu season can be a particularly dangerous time of the year. Even mild cold and flu can lead to pneumonia. Not just that, cold and flu can make chronic conditions such as respiratory illness, diabetes, or asthma worse. However, there are numerous ways to reduce the chances of falling sick or reduce the severity of the condition. Here are a few tips for you to stay healthy during cold and flu season: Follow a daily exercise regimen: Physical activity may help flush bacteria out of the lungs and airways. According to a study, exercising for an hour or less is enough to get immune-boosting benefits. Eat a balanced diet:   According to a study, foods that are rich in vitamins can boost immunity during the flu and cold season. Get a variety of minerals and vitamins: Eating colourful vegetables and fruits will supply your body with essential vitamins and nutrients to strengthen your immune system. It has been found that eating foods rich in Vitamin C during the cold and flu season can boost immunity. Eat lean proteins: Lean proteins are rich in zinc and produce white blood cells to fight against infections. Good sources of zinc include legumes, shellfish, and pumpkin seeds. Avoid processed foods: Eating highly processed food can lead to increased stress levels and inflammation in your body. Processed food also prevents the immune system from functioning at its best.  Avoid touching your face: Your hands come into contact with all sorts of germs and bacteria throughout the day, and when you touch your face, you provide a direct pathway for those germs to enter your body. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth – as these are the most vulnerable entry points for viruses. Wash your hands regularly: Washing your hands with soap and water is one of the effective ways to kill viruses. Flu viruses can spread through air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, but they can also live on surfaces such as door handles, keyboards, and phones. Wash your hands especially before touching your face, eating, and after using the toilet.  Use alcohol-based hand sanitisers when soap and water are not available. Get plenty of rest: When you are well-rested, the body is better prepared to fight off infections. Sleep can reduce your stress levels and can strengthen your immunity. Aim for at least 8 hours of sleep each night. Try some relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation before bedtime for a good night’s sleep. If you are struggling with sleep, here is a useful read to get better sleep at night. Disinfect high-contact surfaces regularly: The cold and flu viruses can land on surfaces. It is possible for you to become infected if you touch those surfaces and then touch your nose, mouth, or eyes. Besides washing your hands, disinfecting surfaces can also reduce the risk of cold and viruses. Door handles, light switches, lift buttons, doorbells, and tables are some high contact surfaces that must be cleaned and disinfected at least once a day. Are you looking for  senior citizen homes in Chennai that promote healthy living and positive ageing? If you live in Chennai and are searching online with phrases such as  “retirement community near me” or “retirement flats near me”, explore our retirement homes in Chennai. Our gated retirement communities have amazing senior-friendly amenities, including a senior-friendly gym, clubhouse, indoor games room, and library. There is on-site trained staff to take care of housekeeping, laundry, and daily meals. There are a host of social activities such as yoga, aerobics, music sessions, and movie screenings that promote camaraderie amongst residents.  To know more about our senior citizen homes in Chennai, call us at +91 8884555554.